Kentucky geologists are sounding the alarm on landslide risk as the Oso disaster anniversary approaches. They emphasize the need for improved communication and policy to protect communities at high hazard areas. The US Geological Survey reports that landslides cause $2-3 billion in damage annually, with 25-50 fatalities.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center have identified pyruvate carboxylase as a key enzyme in lung cancer cell growth and survival. The study suggests that inhibiting this enzyme could lead to novel drug development for treating lung cancer, offering new hope for improving current treatment options.
A study published in Science reports that HIV/AIDS drugs, such as NRTIs, can prevent retinal degeneration in a mouse model of dry AMD by blocking the innate immune pathway called inflammasome. This discovery offers hope for repurposing these inexpensive and safe drugs to treat untreatable conditions.
A new neurological disease closely resembling Alzheimer's disease, called primary age-related tauopathy (PART), has been defined and established criteria for diagnosis. PART is characterized by cognitive impairment without amyloid plaques, but with neurofibrillary tangles composed of a protein called tau.
A new study at the University of Kentucky aims to address the challenges faced by individuals with autism as they complete high school and prepare for adulthood. The Collaborative Model for Promoting Competence and Success (COMPASS) will be adapted for young adults, focusing on skills training, social support, and transition planning.
A study published in Neurology found that people who notice their memory slipping may be on to something, with 56% of participants reporting changes in their memory. The study suggests a significant window of opportunity for intervention before diagnosable problems show up, approximately 12 years after initial complaints began.
Researchers discovered that the STXBP5 gene influences blood clotting by regulating VWF, a key contributor to normal clot formation. However, they found that mice lacking this gene experienced increased bleeding instead of clotting, highlighting distinct roles for STXBP5 in endothelial cells and platelets.
A UK study has identified a novel molecule called Arylquin 1 that induces Par-4 secretion from normal cells, killing cancer cells while leaving normal cells unharmed. The researchers found that Arylquin 1 binds to vimentin, displacing the Par-4 for secretion and may be useful in inhibiting tumor metastasis.
A University of Kentucky research team has made a surprising discovery about oxidized LDL's role in cholesterol transport. The findings indicate that mildly oxidized LDL may actually prevent increases in cholesterol accumulation in arterial walls, potentially leading to new treatments for heart disease.
The new program uses a statistical model to accurately predict IDH1 mutation likelihood and requires only four questions from healthcare providers. The app aims to conserve research dollars by helping researchers narrow down which tumors should be tested as data.
A UK study compared a new nerve repair technique, called a nerve allograft, to existing methods. The study found that the new technique produced more consistent results and better outcomes, while avoiding donor site morbidity.
A new nasal spray application of anti-opioid drug naloxone has been developed to make overdose treatment more accessible and easier to administer. The product, which is currently in clinical trials, aims to reduce the death toll from heroin abuse and make a lifesaving treatment more available to those at high risk.
A UK psychologist has developed a patient tool to assist with lung cancer screening decision-making, aiming to empower individuals to make informed choices about their health. The tool will provide accurate information and calculate personalized feedback, allowing patients to discuss the decision with their healthcare provider.
A new UK study reveals that a genetic defect in the melanocortin1 receptor (MC1R) may make people more susceptible to developing melanoma. The study found that MC1R defects contribute to melanoma development by delaying DNA repair and increasing cancerous mutations.
Two studies using different mouse models confirm that comorbid Alzheimer's disease and cerebrovascular disease significantly worsen learning and memory outcomes in mice. Researchers say the findings have potential implications for patients with both disorders, who account for approximately 40% of Alzheimer's cases.
The University of Kentucky's Superfund Research Center has received a significant grant to investigate the health impacts of toxic chemicals on humans and the environment. The research center aims to develop new methods for detecting hazardous chemicals and cleaning up contaminated sites.
A genome-wide association study found a strong link between ABCC9 gene variations and an increased risk of Hippocampal Sclerosis of Aging (HS-A). The study also suggests that sulfonylurea medication use is associated with an elevated risk for HS-A. Researchers hope this discovery may inform new strategies to search for cures.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have discovered methods to build heat-resistant RNA nanostructures and arrays, showcasing its potential as a stable alternative to conventional polymers. The breakthrough offers new possibilities for controlling RNA nanoparticles for therapeutic applications.
A study published in Psychiatry Research found that dopamine replacement therapy commonly used to treat motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease was associated with a decline in cognitive performance among depressed Parkinson patients. Mood in depressed Parkinson's patients was also worse while on dopaminergic medications.
A study published in Neurobiology of Aging has found a connection between the integrity of white matter connections in the brain and cognitive health in adults with Down syndrome. The research team identified biomarkers connected to dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, which could potentially lead to earlier intervention and retard...
Physicist Premi Haynes has made a groundbreaking discovery about the cellular structure of the human heart, particularly related to heart failure. She found that different regions of the left ventricular wall have unique cellular patterns of mechanical properties, with the middle being a better
A recent study by Erin Abner, Ph.D., found that subjective memory complaints can be predictive of clinical memory impairment. The results are encouraging as they might help identify people at risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease sooner.
A new UK study found that targeting Twist, a nuclear protein accelerating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, may provide an effective approach for treating triple-negative breast cancer. The study showed that disrupting the interaction of Twist with BRD4 inhibited invasion and tumorigenicity in triple-negative breast cancer cells.
A new study by University of Kentucky researchers identified four key barriers to cancer screening in Appalachian women, including embarrassment about Pap tests and lack of health insurance. These barriers contribute to higher mortality rates for invasive cervical cancer in the region, with a 67% increase compared to national averages.
Researchers found that activating p53 in normal cells induces Par-4 secretion, killing cancer cells. The paracrine effect targets tumor cells at distant sites, offering a new approach to treating tumors resistant to other treatments.
A new UK review examines gender differences in COPD prevalence, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. The study finds that women are increasingly affected by COPD due to changing smoking trends and environmental risk factors.
A new UK study published in Free Radical Biology and Medicine found that a diet low in vitamin D causes free radical damage to the brain, leading to decreased cognitive performance. The researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency is linked to Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers, and heart disease.
HS-AGING affects older adults, causing cognitive decline and memory impairment. Recent studies reveal around 20% of dementia cases are misdiagnosed as HS-Aging, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and exploration of new therapeutic targets to alter disease progression.
A new study by University of Kentucky researchers found that academic institutions face significant barriers to commercializing cancer research innovations. The study suggests that addressing these challenges can boost university-based research commercialization and benefit consumers.
Researchers uncover a surprisingly long-lasting opioid mechanism for chronic pain control, which also leads to physical and physiological dependence. The study suggests that stress may be a key factor in relapse in chronic pain patients and raises questions about the long-term consequences of this mechanism.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center have made significant discoveries about the Par-4 gene and its role in cancer recurrence. The study found that low levels of Par-4 protein may predict breast cancer relapse, while high levels can eliminate cancer cells through apoptosis.
Researchers are exploring new approaches to cure stroke by unlocking the brain's regenerative potential. The goal is to develop a novel stroke therapy for humans using newly identified treatments.
Researchers discovered that abnormal histone protein modification impairs DNA repair machinery, leading to a potential new way of detecting colorectal cancers. The study, published in Cell, reveals a novel mechanism explaining the root cause of some forms of colorectal cancers.
A groundbreaking UK study found that aggressive triple-negative breast cancer cells lack the enzyme FBP1, leading to a glucose anabolic pathway that 'feeds' the cancer. This metabolic switch enables tumor cells to survive in low-oxygen environments, making it a promising target for new treatments.
A study by University of Kentucky researcher Elaine Wittenberg-Lyles found that hospice team members often respond to caregiver empathic opportunities with perfunctory responses, rather than addressing emotional needs. This highlights the need for better communication about psychosocial issues and emotional losses for caregivers.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky found that p38beta MAPK has no effect on brain-cell cultures or mouse brains in terms of inflammation and neurotoxicity. This suggests that development of p38-inhibitor drugs may focus on targeting p38alpha instead of retaining p38beta inhibitory activity.
Glazer aims to develop targeted chemotherapeutic approach for various cancer types using ruthenium-based compounds activated by light. The compounds have shown up to 200 times increased toxicity and potency compared to cisplatin, a widely used platinum-based cancer drug.
The University of Kentucky's Markey Cancer Center will continue the Jin Shin Jyutsu program in 2013 thanks to a $25,000 grant. The program, which uses ancient touch therapy, has shown significant improvement in pain, stress, and nausea for patients.
The University of Kentucky has developed a pioneering electronic health record (EHR) reporting system for cancer cases to the state's cancer registry. This innovation enables real-time data transmission, facilitating faster trend analysis and informed statewide cancer control efforts.
A University of Kentucky study found that digoxin, a widely used heart medication, increases the possibility of death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The research, published in the European Heart Journal, analyzed data from 4,060 AF patients and found a 41% increase in deaths from any cause.
A new study review from the University of Kentucky found that music therapy can reduce pain, anxiety, and recovery time for surgery patients. Patients who received music therapy were less anxious before procedures, recovered more quickly, and required less sedative medication.
A novel gene CIB2 has been associated with Usher syndrome, a devastating genetic disorder that affects both hearing and vision. The discovery provides new insights into the disease's progression and may lead to future therapeutic targets.
Researchers investigate whether maternal exercise during pregnancy can lead to a reduced risk of cancer in offspring. Previous studies show improved glucose regulation and enhanced stress protection in exercised mice offspring.
A University of Kentucky study investigated the habit-forming properties of tramadol, a popular pain medication. Researchers found that participants rated tramadol highly, suggesting an increased potential for abuse, even at doses above the normal therapeutic range.
Researchers develop ultrastable RNA nanoparticles that can regulate cell function, bind to cancer cells, and deliver therapeutic molecules. The stable nanoparticles display favorable attributes, including polyvalent nature, modular design, thermodynamic stability, and chemical stability.
University of Kentucky researchers have identified a major breakthrough in treating geographic atrophy, an untreatable form of age-related macular degeneration. They found that blocking specific pathways can prevent retinal degeneration and vision loss, paving the way for a new potential therapy.
A study by the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center found that cancer patients experienced significant improvements in pain, stress, and nausea after one Jin Shin Jyutsu session. The study included 159 patients who reported a mean decrease of three points for stress and two points for both pain and nausea.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky have developed two new ruthenium complexes that are up to 200 times more toxic and three times more potent than cisplatin against tumor cells. These complexes become activated when exposed to light, reducing their impact on healthy cells.
Dr. David Feola, a University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy faculty member, has received a five-year, $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate immune responses in the lungs that may lead to medical treatments for cystic fibrosis and other chronic pulmonary inflammatory conditions.
The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center will conduct research on myelodysplastic syndrome, a deadly blood disorder often caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatments. The goal is to determine biomarkers for the disease and tailor cancer treatments to reduce the risk of developing MDS.